Michael Wood Band | Hopeful Alt-Rock

Hailing from B.C, this group of talented musicians bring to you their new LP. Frontman Michael Wood and his band bring to you “Rubble Town”. An engaging record that is full of addictive melodies and a refined alternative rock sound that could feel very pop at first, but represents influence from a collection of classic genres.

“Rubble Town” is Michael Wood and his band’s second studio effort and just like the first release, the musical ability, fresh vocals and perceptive lyrics are ever present. In such a saturated industry, Michael Wood Band will deliver a contemporary take on something that feels delightfully familiar.

Musician/Producer Shaun Verreault (Wide Mouth Mason) lends his production chops on to the group on the record, with Doug Naugler providing the engineering. Both of which have praised Wood for his talents, calling him the “quintessential songwriter” and one that will immediately connect to his fans with all the elements that make this music great.

While I was giving this album it’s first spin I found myself drawn in from the first verse and striking guitar rifts. This is a young man that is has made it clear this is what he is meant to be doing. “Coward’s a Question,” the up-tempo folk-esque rock track that acts as the album opener is guaranteed to get people on their feet feeling the groove. The one-two punch style of the lyrical content sets a tone right off the bat giving a ton of energy to feed off of.

As the album plays, “On Our Way Down” continues with the up-tempo start and sounds like it will be a fan favorite when played live. An addictive crowd-sung echo of Wood’s lyrics have this effect on you that feels like it will be a hit for any party. The group slows it down a bit and Wood gets a bit more personal next, with one of my personal favorites “Lonely and Dreaming.” The mid-tempo arrangement and dreamy vibes of this track sound like they are taking us back to the airwaves of the late 90s.

The title track of the band’s second album “Rubble Town” comes in right at the sweet middle of the LP’s runtime. Introspection seems to come to Wood so easily, allowing listeners to get lost in the uplifting presence and personal reflection this song delivers.

The latter half of the album plays just a smooth on the way out as it does leading you into their world of pop-rock. The last moments of the record deliver high enrgy acoustic and percussion driven tracks that you just can’t fight the urge to want to shout and sing along.

Wood delivers 8 original tracks, albeit on the shorter side of playtime, the album is a completely cohesive piece of work that feels very definitive to who Michael Wood is, and just how talented he, and his band are.

With “Rubble Town” seeing it’s official release this past March, the group is about to get real busy with a handful of tour dates across Canada starting at the end of this week! Be sure to check their website here for the upcoming dates and bring your dancing shoes out as the show is sure to check be full energy. They’ve got some great videos up on their YouTube page from live gigs to get an idea of what your in for.

They’ve got some great videos up on their YouTube page from live gigs to get an idea of what your in for. Michael Wood band is not to be missed!

“Rubble Town” is available now via iTunes and other digital media markets. You can also stream the record over on the band’s website. Be sure to give it a spin!

THE MICHAEL WOOD BAND RELEASES NEW LP " RUBBLE TOWN"

Canadian rock crew the Michael Wood Band have released their long-awaited LP album, “Rubble Town.” The album contains eight original tracks and represents the definitive Michael Wood Band experience so far. It has been proudly published on the eponymous Michael Wood Band independent music label outside the influence of the corporate music industry. Part pop, part alternative rock, part contemporary rock and distinguished by the raw, genuine character of the band’s sound and style, “Rubble Town” by the Michael Wood Band is a record rock fans of all ages will agree on.

Bandleader Michael Wood cites as main artistic influences a spread of indie-pop and rock bands such as Hey Rosetta, Kings of Leon, the Killers, Tragically Hip, Arctic Monkeys, and Foster the People. Like the music of these mainstream heroes, Wood’s songs are catchy, evocative, and written with an unfailing good taste which endears audiences to his music instantly.

However, beneath the surface of what at first listen sounds like simple pop runs an audible undercurrent of punk-rock principle and emotional power. This emerges in the naked honesty of Wood’s lyrics, the minimalist approach to his rock composition, and especially in the one-two punch of songs like “Cowards a Question,” which opens their new record, and their extremely popular single and music video, “End of the World.”

The combined impact of these attributes is undeniable, as one can easily tell from their calendar of scheduled appearances (viewable on their official website, link provided below). In the earnest tradition of hardworking professional rockers everywhere, the Michael Wood Band manages to play live at pubs, festivals, charity gigs etc. twice and thrice weekly, sometimes all on the same weekend. Clearly, the MWB are in quite some demand.

Asked to describe his start in music, Wood muses over humble beginnings.

“As a 10-year old, we had a crappy neighbourhood guitar that we shared. Thomas Bobbin taught me how to play ‘Smoke on the Water’ and I was hooked.”

Consistent with the direct voice he uses to speak through his songs, the themes of his songs are also plain to see (hear).

“I write mostly about real life experiences,” he explains. “They may or may not have been mine. They could have happened to you.”

This last may be the key quality of the Michael Wood Band’s “Rubble Town.” A room full of persons listening to this music together listens together, by God, drawn inward and forward toward a sound and sensation they all understand. This music has a social effect as well as a personal one – and the feeling is warm, alive, thriving and true.

“Rubble Town” by the Michael Wood Band is available online worldwide. Get in early, rock and pop fans. Very early.

-S. McCauley

Mondo Tunes

Michael Wood Band has been selected to play Canadian Music Week in Toronto this May. The exact dates and venues are still TBD, but to all you Torontonian's "We'll see you soon".

The band has also been selected to play the Red Gorrilla Music Festival in Austin Texas March 16th to Saturday March 21, 2015. Venues and times TBD

The new MWB album will be out shortly. "Rubble Town" was produced by multiple Juno nominated Shawn Verreault of Wide Mouth Mason Fame, and recorded at Green House Studios in Vancouver, BC. Stay tuned for new tour dates in your area coming soon.

Michael Wood Band plays for Alberta flood relief

Published on Wednesday, 14 August 2013 17:08

Written by Hannah Cawsey

Victoria musicians rock the charity stage

The Calgary Stampede and many other musical events around town brought in a lot of fundraising dollars for those in need after the 2013 flood, with many bands donating their time and talent to entertain and raise much-needed money for the victims. The Michael Wood Band was no exception.

The indie rockers from Victoria, British Columbia, took their place onstage at the Cowboys tent on July 7 to help raise money for the Red Cross as well as open for the award-nominated band Buckcherry.

Lead singer and guitarist, Michael Wood, was impressed by Calgarians' desire to support one another.

"The whole thing was really great, it felt like everyone was coming together to help each other out around town," said Wood. "Being part of the Buckcherry flood relief show was an amazing experience, and probably the biggest show we've played to date."

Alex Campbell, the band's drummer, explained that towards the end of June the band had a layover in Calgary on their way back from a gig in Halifax. They had a good view of the surrounding areas and could see the damage everywhere – farmers' fields riddled with puddles, rivers that had cut new edges in the river bank, flooded golf courses as well as the incredible images of the damage displayed on the news.

"When we returned to Calgary for the Stampede, you could hardly tell that such immense damage had taken place so recently," said Campbell. "The city still bustled with life, the Stampede was well attended and the shows were still packed and that positive and determined attitude really showed up at the concert – people were happy, the crowd was enthusiastic and very supportive of all the bands that took the stage that day."

"It was a great event to be part of, we were very grateful to have the opportunity to support flood relief by playing music. It's a good day when doing what you love can be used to help those in need," Campbell added.

"Everyone was in high spirits, and the atmosphere was fun to be in," Weed said. "They did a wonderful job of pulling together to help with flood relief, the whole city goes wild during Stampede and this year was no different, hell or high water."

STARTING AT THE STAMPEDE

The Michael Wood Band is no stranger to Calgary and they're often here for shows. Campbell explained that ever since the band started up two years ago, they've been getting more requests to play.

"When we started as a band, we were at the Stampede and ended up getting a lot of connections and had a network going and just expanded out from there," Campbell said.

Bassist Jon Burgundy said that "Calgary has a really good music scene compared to Vancouver and Victoria and there are more opportunities to play.

"One of the coolest things about starting to get recognized is being able to do things like charity fundraisers or benefit shows. For all of us it's a cool thing to do is to give back and be able to do what we love to do and, in return, help others," he added.

The band played a total of five shows over Stampede and will be back in Calgary in September to play at Mount Royal University for frosh week with more shows to follow.

THE ENERGY ON THE STAGE

The Michael Wood Band has a certain energy they bring to the stage that is contagious. With a mix of cover songs and originals, this indie rock band is fun to watch and listen to.

Photo by Hannah Cawsey

The Michael Wood Band has a certain energy they bring to the stage that is contagious. With a mix of cover songs and originals, this indie rock band is fun to watch and listen to.

A typical show includes covers of The Killers, MGMT, Black Keys and Adele as well as songs from their first album.

"We really try and cater what songs we play to the crowd," said Burgundy. "When we're in Calgary we play a little bit more rock and roll and some oldie classics versus playing in Victoria and Vancouver where things seem to be a little more indie rock."

But the set list always depends on the venue according to Campbell.

"We do a mix of covers and originals, we're starting to incorporate more original tunes as well as do covers that are more specific to our sound," Campbell said. "It depends on how long the gig is, longer gigs will have more covers and for showcases we'll have more originals."

Since the band was created, they have recorded their first album, Occupy This, which covers topics from political themes to light-hearted teenage rebellion.

"It ranges from [songs] like 'Should We Be Afraid,' [which is] about all the stuff that's happening over in Egypt," said Burgundy. "Then it gets to the light- hearted side with 'I'll Just Go To Bed' about just doing whatever you wanted."

FUTURE PLANS

And another album is currently being discussed.

"We're writing all the time and our plan is to hopefully get into the studio and record a single soon, like within a month," said Wood. "'We're looking to start recording our next album in September."

Besides recording their next album, the Michael Wood Band has been busy opening for other big names besides Buckcherry, such as '80s rock bands Prism and Platinum Blonde, as well as pop-punk four-piece Faber Drive.

Beside opening for other bands, the Michael Wood Band plays across Canada all year round, playing shows in such cities as Victoria, Edmonton, Calgary, Regina, Saskatoon, Toronto and Halifax.

For the rest of the summer, the band has shows throughout British Columbia, including some all ages shows which allows a different dynamic for the band compared to playing in bars.

"The cool thing about playing outdoor shows is that all of them are all ages. For the past eight months we haven't been playing any, " said Burgundy. "It's pretty cool to have a bunch of little kids dancing. They're much more laid back and [it's] a fun atmosphere."

Music in the Park at the Southwood Community Association, Calgary, AB - Thursday, August 22 (All Ages)

International Pop Overthrow Music Festival at The Railway Club, Vancouver BC - August 28th to 30st (TBA)

Lucky Bar, Victoria - Saturday, August 31

The Saanich Fair - Sunday, September 1st (All Ages)

Michael Wood Band has been selected to play at the HMP Records Cross Canada Tour Show Case at the V-Lounge in Victoria, BC. June 3 2013 5 PM. Tickets available from the band or Eileen at 250 886 5209.

Michael Wood Band has been selected to play a show case at the Toothy Moose Night Club In Halifax Nova Scotia on June 21 2013 at the COCA National Conference.

The Michael Wood Band has been selected to play a show case at the Vancouver Island Music Busness Conference in Courtenay BC. on May 18 2013. Whistle Stop Pub. 9 PM

The Michael Wood Band has benn nominated for two Vancouver Island Music Awards. http://islandmusicawards.wordpress.com/

In Toronto for Canadian Music Week, The Michael Wood Band is playing at the Legendary Horseshoe Tavern on Queen Street March 18 2013. 10:15 pm.

The Michael Wood Band song "Take Me Away"

was selected as a semi-finalists for the 2013 International Songwriting Competition, from 20,000 entries from 119 countries worldwide!

http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/

Michael Wood Band taking the stage at Sun Peaks for Aussie Day
January 25, 2013 By Rikki MacCuish

I’m sitting in a busy coffee shop with 21-year-old John Lennon look-alike Josh Weed when the namesake member of Michael Wood Band shows up, fashionably late as I’m told is customary. He’s just come from a class on The Beatles at University of Victoria and it’s immediately apparent that below their young and jovial exteriors these two are serious music men.

Michael Wood Band is from the Victoria area, and after releasing their debut album Occupy This in 2012 they’re off to a fast start. All band members are under the age of 22 and have already played over 30 shows since their album debuted, including the Calgary Stampede.

Next up on the tour roster Michael Wood Band heads to Sun Peaks to play at The Club on January 26, which coincides with Australia Day. I took the liberty of explaining the extent of Australia Day at Sun Peaks Resort to Wood and band-mate Josh Weed, after which Wood shared a story about a sample encounter during a show in Victoria.

“I used to have a regular gig at this café and the best time I ever had playing there was when these three Australian guys came and they were really stoked that I played an Australian song,” says Wood. “They got rowdier and rowdier until finally all three of them finally got kicked out.”

Sound like a familiar scene? Ensure that you make it to and through the Michael Wood Band’s show and you’ll see why this band is turning heads around the world. Wood and Weed both say that they have a European following and that they hope to get out that way to do a tour at some point as well.

Occupy This is an astoundingly good album. The fab four, comprised of Weed and Wood on vocals and guitars, Jon Baergen on bass and vocals and Alex Campbell on drums and vocals, have produced a modern-sounding rock album with catchy lyrics and hooks. Weed and Wood, both big Mother Mother fans, have ideas for their next release, which they say is currently in the works.

“I’d like to get a heavier, more analogue and roots-y sound to our next album; heavier but not darker,” says Wood, adding that they would like to release their Hendrix-inspired cover of “All Along the Watchtower.” Weed would like to up the tempo a bit to make it better for dancing.

And despite the politically-charged title of their album, both band members shy away from too much political advocacy, saying that it can take away from the music itself when not preached to the right crowd. Regardless there are hints of angst and socio-political awareness on the album, such as in “Should We Be Afraid” which is about the Arab Spring movement that took place in Egypt. Currently Wood is immersed in philosophy classes at the University of Victoria and Weed is a self-professed science and scepticism nerd, so time may tell where that will lead their music but for now it provides a firm basis and mature understanding of critical observance required for solid songwriting.

Give them a listen at: themichaelwoodband.bandcamp.com
About Rikki MacCuish

Rikki is a frequent concert-goer who always has one ear to the ground and the other to the speaker. Always looking out for new and innovative artists, she loves everything Indie and keeps a close eye on what’s going on in music locally and internationally.

MWB is getting ready for the Start of their western Canadian Tour. 20 dates starting in Victoria January 14th and ending at Canadian Music Week in Toronto March 25th. More dates being added every week. Looking forward to seeing you at our shows

A fresh alternative rock sound mixing classic elements with the edginess and bite of modern concepts. The Michael Wood B and is rock for the new age.

"Shockingly fresh, well written songs with great delivery. Infectious grooves that bring to mind The Police, Kings Of Leon and Red Hot Chilli Peppers with undertones of Hendrix, the Ramones and Tom Petty. I had to listen to the music from start to finish...then press repeat." Aaron Bethune, Play It Loud Music

The New 99.1 FM CKXS posted on Michael Wood Band's Wall

"Huge congratulations to our 2 XS New Artists of the Month, The Michael Wood Band and The Swills! You'll hear a lot more of these guys in coming months on 99.1 CKXS